Assembly-Line Antenna Tool for Heavy-Vehicle Wheel Sensor Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping sensor IDs and locations on vehicles, such as heavy-duty vehicles, are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly during factory assembly, as they often require manual scanning or prolonged vehicle movement for auto-location functionality.
Innovation Solution
An assembly-line tool equipped with antenna systems is used to automatically locate and verify the functionality of wireless sensors, interrogate them for readings, and pair this data with tire and vehicle chassis IDs, enabling rapid mapping and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scanning or auto location functionality is used to map sensor IDs and locations, then sensor mapping can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and reduces assembly line efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing sensor mapping at the wheel assembly level before the wheel is mounted on the vehicle. The mapping process is completed in advance during wheel preparation, allowing the vehicle assembly process to proceed without waiting for time-consuming sensor mapping operations. This resolves the contradiction by completing the measurement task before the main assembly process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool that acts as a bridge between the sensor and the mapping system. This portable tool includes an antenna for wireless communication with sensors and a display interface for showing mapping information. The intermediary enables rapid sensor identification and mapping without requiring manual scanning or prolonged vehicle movement, thus maintaining both accuracy and productivity.
2Extent of automation
If auto location functionality is used during vehicle movement, then sensor locations can be determined, but it requires up to 10 minutes of continuous driving and additional sensor data from the Electronic Brake System
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sensor location determination in advance during wheel assembly preparation, before the vehicle is put into motion. The mapping tool captures sensor IDs and determines their locations while the wheel is stationary on the assembly line, eliminating the need for 10 minutes of continuous driving. This preliminary action resolves the time loss issue while maintaining automated determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensor mapping process from the vehicle movement context and relocates it to the wheel assembly context. Instead of requiring the vehicle to move and use brake system data for location determination, the mapping is performed independently on the stationary wheel using a portable tool. This extraction eliminates the time-consuming driving requirement and additional sensor data dependencies.
3Ease of operation
If manual scanning of labels or QR codes is used to identify sensors, then sensor IDs can be read, but the process is labor-intensive and slows down assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with an automated wireless communication system. The mapping tool uses an antenna to wirelessly communicate with sensors and automatically read their IDs, eliminating the need for manual scanning of labels or QR codes. This substitution maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving assembly line speed by removing labor-intensive steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the sensor to provide its own identification information automatically through wireless communication. When the mapping tool approaches the wheel, the sensor autonomously transmits its ID and location data without requiring manual intervention to scan or read labels. This self-service approach maintains operational simplicity while eliminating the time loss associated with manual scanning processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the time required for sensor pairing and mapping by allowing simultaneous location and verification of sensor positions and identities on the vehicle chassis, enhancing assembly line efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antenna systems arranged to interrogate one or more wireless sensors integrated into or on a wheel of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a diagnostic system for verifying functionality and performing mapping of a wireless sensor in/on a wheel of a heavy-duty vehicle on an assembly line (100), the system including:an assembly-line tool provided along the assembly line, each tool comprising one or more antenna systems arranged to interrogate a wireless sensor integrated into/on a wheel of the vehicle, each tool is arranged in use to:automatically locate on the vehicle and verify a function of the sensor; andinterrogate the sensor to perform a wireless sensor reading; andpair sensor reading data with a tire identifier,pair sensor reading data with a vehicle chassis ID,wherein the diagnostic system maps the sensor using sensor readings and provides mapping information for the sensor to a gateway/receiver of an electronic control unit of the vehicle.